You’ve probably heard of the South Beach Diet before as it has quite a following in the US.
Developed by cardiologist Dr. Agatston of the University of Miami this diet was released in the mid 1990′s and has steadily grown in popularity since.
While the South Beach Diet IS one of the more healthy programs available the strict initial phases are hard to stick to and may leave you caving and binge eating more than you would if you followed a more balanced diet.
Read on to find out more about the South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet is broken into 3 phases. . .
Phase 1
This is the strictest phase and last for two weeks.
It has been designed to help you eliminate cravings for sugar basically by putting you in a detox/rehab like situation – NO SUGAR ALLOWED!
This phase will jump start your weight loss as you cut out naughty foods and stick to lean protein, high fiber veggies, low fat dairy products and healthy fats.
During this phase your shopping list should look like this:
Fish
Skinless Chicken
Lean Beef
Tofu
Beans
Low Fat Cheese
Nuts
Seeds
Asparagus
Green beans
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Spinach
Phase 2
In Phase 2 you can eat all of the foods from Phase 1 but you’re allowed to bring in some good carbs like whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruit, sweet potato, pumpkin and peas.
This is known as the long term phase i.e. the eating plan you should incorporate into your life and follow for good!
If you have only 10 pounds or less to use the experts at South Beach diet suggest you start on this phase.
Phase 3
Phase 3 is the maintenance phase you should follow once you reach your goal weight.
This phase is basically about linking what you learnt in the previous 2 phases and following it for life.
If you start to gain weight again revert back to phase 1 or 2 and start again.
South Beach Diet Recipes and Pre Packaged Food
The South Beach diet company offers heaps of great recipes when you sign up with their program.
This can help newbies who aren’t quite up with portion control and calories.
You can also buy pre packaged meals and snacks through the company and have them delivered.
The Celebrity Converts
Kim Cattrall (Sex and The City)
Bette Midler (Singer, Actress)
Bill Clinton (Ex US President)
Hillary Clinton (Politician)
Troy Aikman (US Quarterback)
The Advantages
There are definitely advantages to the South Beach diet in terms of producing weight loss results.
The components of lean protein, veges, fruit, healthy fats and low fat dairy are the combination we recommend.
Stock up on green veges, lean protein and slot in the occasional dairy product and healthy fat and you are basically guaranteed weight loss and a healthier body.
The Disadvantages
I think the strict phase 1 is probably a bit of a downfall. Most dieters (especially if they are accustomed to poor eating habits) will find this too hard to stick to for a whole 2 weeks.
You would still see results if you included some fruit and some wholewheat products and it would be a whole lot easier to stay committed.
The Verdict
The principles behind the South Beach diet are good and accurate for weight loss results.
If you think you can brave through the initial 2 weeks then go for it.
You will definitely learn about healthy, balanced eating and lose weight while you’re at it.
To grab a copy of the South Beach diet for yourself click the link below:
